THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

Globe, Volume XXIII, Issue 2249, 13 May 1881, Page 3

THE BIBLE IN SCHOOLS.

[PBBSS ASSOCIATION TBLEGBAM.] • AUCKLAND, May 12. A public meeting, convened by the Bible in Schools Association, was held in the Yonng Men’s Christian Association rooms, to procure an amendment of the Education Act next session, so as to admit of the Bible being read in State schools without note or comment. The Anglican clergy present were— The Revs. Tebbs, Haaeldean, Bates, Dr. Purohas, and the Rev. A. W. Webb, end one or two other clergymen and dissenting ministers wore present, but took no part in the proceeding. Eighteen laymen and six ladies were also present. The Rev. F. L. Larkins 'presided. The Rev. A. W. Webb said he : avorod the Nqw South Wales system, or the alternative Irish National School system. He urged that an arrangement be come to with the Roman Catholics, if possible, as to lessons in schools, similar to those drawn np by the late Archbishop Whately and the Roman Catholic Archbishop Mnrray. The Rev, Mr Tebbs endorsed Mr Webb’s views. The Chairman said that when in Wellington two months since he met a Jewish merchant who told him that Wellington Jews were greatly displeased with the present system, which compelled them to pay taxes to support schools where the existence of God was forbidden to be taught. The Anglican Church, to which communion he himself belonged also, would never support it. He counselled the meeting to work with their brethren in Otago and Hawke’s Bay, and never to relax their efforts until the Bible echoed in the walls of State schools. Ladies and gentlemen desirous of seeing the removal of the prohibition to introduce the Bible in schools should send in their names to be attached to a petition to bo sent to Parliament. Mr Hemns was of opinion that a regular public meeting onght to be called to discuss the question. The chairman said it would probably be done.